Anger, condemnation pours in over assault on social activists

Staff ReporterTURA, Nov 08: The entire Garo Hills has come down in unison in anger and condemnation against the assault on the Civil Society Women’s Organization (CSWO) president and her colleague Amita Sangma this afternoon in East Jaintia Hills while they were taking photo evidence of illegal coal trucks parked for transport.“This is cowardice and no civil society can stand for what these goons have done. Firstly they were social activists and secondly women. This is the worst crime in all sense and we condemn the act.

The guilty have to be caught and given exemplary punishment,” said Silning D Sangma, the president of AYC.“We need an immediate high level inquiry into the matter of assault against CSWO president Agnes and Amita Sangma. The act is not only condemnable but pathetic. It makes us sick to even think that such an act took place in broad daylight,” said director of AIJIF, Alex K Sangma.Similar thoughts were echoed by the Achik Graduate Unemployed Union (AGUU) from EGH who demanded an immediate investigation as well as all medical costs for the two social activists be borne by the state government.“This is preposterous and unhealthy that such an act was allowed to happen in our state against activists who have been working day and night for the cause of the people of the state. Our thoughts are with their families at the moment and whoever is behind these sick acts have to be arrested,” said GSU member, Frenky Marak.Meanwhile AAYF EGH president Tattara Marak too came down heavily on the perpetrators of the crime calling it an act of cowardice.“We urge the government to act on these cowards and ensure none of them are spared the law. We pray for their quick recovery and our thoughts are with their families at this time,” said Tattara.“This is the answer as to whether illegal mining is taking place or not in the state. The state government has to act on the findings made by the CSWO and take appropriate action to restore the faith in governance. Things are looking bleak for the state at this moment,” said a resident of Tura, TR Marak.